Quick and Easy Crusty Baguette Bread Recipe For Soups
Our quick and easy crusty baguette is perfect for serving alongside soups. With a crispy crust and soft interior, it complements a variety of dishes and is simple to make at home.
The recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic techniques, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
The Allure of a Freshly Baked Baguette
There’s something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked baguette wafting through the kitchen. The golden-brown crust, with its enticing crunch, invites you to take a bite.
This bread is not just a side; it’s an experience.
Imagine slicing into the crusty exterior to reveal a soft, airy interior. Each slice is perfect for dipping into a warm bowl of soup or slathering with butter.
Creating the Perfect Crust
The key to achieving that signature crust lies in the baking process.
Preheating the oven to a high temperature is essential.
Adding steam during the initial baking phase helps create that desirable crunch on the outside while keeping the inside light and fluffy.
Pairing with Comforting Dishes
A crusty baguette complements a variety of meals, particularly soups.
The contrast between the warm, hearty soup and the crisp bread makes for a comforting combination.
Whether it’s a classic tomato soup or a rich chowder, the baguette enhances the dining experience.
Simple Ingredients for a Delightful Outcome
Making a baguette at home requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for anyone looking to bake.
All-purpose flour, salt, yeast, and warm water are the essentials.
These simple components come together to create a bread that is both satisfying and delicious.
The Joy of Homemade Bread
Baking bread at home is a rewarding activity.
It allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.
Plus, the satisfaction of pulling a warm baguette from the oven is unmatched.
Serving Suggestions
Once your baguette is baked to perfection, the possibilities for serving are endless.
Enjoy it with a side of butter, or use it to soak up the last bits of soup in your bowl.
It can also be sliced and toasted for a delightful bruschetta or served alongside a cheese platter.
Simple Crusty Baguette Recipe
This baguette features a crunchy exterior with a light and airy crumb. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a total baking time of 30 minutes, yielding two baguettes.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- Cornmeal for dusting
- Additional flour for dusting
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and instant yeast. Gradually add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Baguettes: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long baguette by rolling it gently on a floured surface.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped baguettes on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. Cover with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a baking dish with water on the bottom rack to create steam.
- Bake: Make several diagonal slashes on the top of each baguette with a sharp knife. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crusty.
- Cool: Remove the baguettes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 2 baguettes
- Calories: 150kcal per slice
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
